Cebu: Join Whale Shark Swimming & Kawasan Falls Canyoneering

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a full day of adventure in Cebu, this popular tour offers a balanced mix of two of the region’s most iconic experiences: swimming with whale sharks in Oslob and conquering the Kawasan Falls canyoneering. It’s a package designed for those eager to see some of Cebu’s best natural sights in one action-packed day.

What we appreciate most about this tour is how it combines close encounters with gentle giant marine life and an adrenaline-pumping canyon adventure, giving you a taste of both marine and freshwater experiences in one go. The inclusive price of $111 per person offers a good value considering the transportation, guides, and entrance fees provided.

A potential consideration is the long travel time and busy schedules—some travelers might find the day a bit rushed, especially if weather or crowd levels aren’t ideal. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a full day on the move and want to maximize their Cebu experience. If you’re someone who loves a mix of wildlife encounters, scenic views, and physical activity, this tour is likely a great fit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Two iconic Cebu experiences combined in one day
• Inclusive price covers transportation, guides, entrance fees, and lunch
• Physical activity involved in canyoneering and boat rides
• Group size can influence the overall experience, but guides are knowledgeable
• Weather-dependent activities, especially for canyoneering and boat rides
• Suitable for travelers 7 years and older with good health and swimming ability

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a pick-up from your Cebu City, Mactan, or nearby hotel. The convenience of door-to-door transportation reduces stress, though travelers should be aware that additional charges may apply for pickups outside central areas (like Oslob or Dalaguete). The transport is typically in a comfortable vehicle, and the guides are friendly and helpful, making the early start manageable.

Oslob Whale Shark Encounter

The first major stop is in Oslob, known worldwide for its whale shark interactions. After a brief orientation, you’ll head out onto a boat for about 1.5 hours. Here’s where the experience shines: swimming alongside these gentle giants can be a surreal encounter. These whales can grow up to 40 feet, and their slow, graceful movement makes for an unforgettable sight.

What makes this part of the tour valuable is the opportunity to observe and snorkel with one of nature’s largest creatures in crystal-clear waters. Guides ensure your safety and provide helpful tips on how to best enjoy the experience. As one reviewer noted, “all of the staff at both activities were super friendly and helpful,” which sets a positive tone for the day.

A possible drawback is that some travelers found the boat ride and crowds challenging. One review highlighted that “there were so many people that we were constantly colliding with each other,” which can diminish the serenity of this encounter. If you’re seeking a more secluded experience, this might be a minor consideration.

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Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Adventure

After the whale shark encounter, the journey continues to Kawasan Falls for the canyoneering portion, which lasts around 3.5 hours. The activity involves navigating through narrow canyons, jumping into natural pools, and walking along scenic rivers. Before starting, you’ll receive safety gear and a briefing, ensuring you’re prepared for the physical challenge ahead.

This experience is what many travelers highlight as the most exhilarating part of the tour. Expect to jump from heights of 5-7 meters into clear pools, which is not only fun but also a test of your courage. Along the way, the lush greenery and waterfalls provide stunning views, making every step visually rewarding.

One guest described the descent as lasting about three hours, emphasizing the adrenaline rush and beautiful scenery. For those interested in an extra thrill, there’s also a zipline option (not included in the price but available for an additional PHP 550).

A reviewer recounted, “Jumping from heights of 5-7 meters into the water was amazing,” and the guide’s effort in capturing photos and videos was appreciated, especially since many prefer documenting their adventures.

One possible challenge is the physical exertion involved. Participants should be in good health and comfortable swimming—canyoneering is not suitable for pregnant women, young children under 7, or anyone with certain medical conditions. Also, bad weather can cancel or postpone the activity, so flexibility is advised.

Lunch and Rest Break

After the adrenaline-filled canyoneering, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive to a local restaurant or picnic spot for a well-earned lunch break. The included meal offers a chance to relax and refuel, with the option to savor local flavors amidst lush surroundings.

Return Journey and Drop-Off

Post-lunch, the tour winds down with a scenic drive back to your hotel or designated drop-off points in Cebu City, Talisay, Moalboal, or Lapu-Lapu City. The total day’s length and the return trip are designed to maximize your experience without making it overly exhausting, though be prepared for a full day of activity.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This experience is particularly appealing because it combines two of Cebu’s most famous natural attractions into one seamless day. The value for money is reasonable, considering the inclusions—transport, guides, entrance fees, and lunch. The guided aspect ensures safety and enhances the experience, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or new to canyoneering.

The guided whale shark snorkeling offers not only a sensory thrill but also the assurance of safety and knowledge from local guides. The Kawasan Falls canyoneering is a chance to challenge yourself physically while appreciating Cebu’s lush scenery. Many reviews mention the professional guides and stunning views as highlights.

However, crowds and traffic can sometimes impact the overall experience, especially during peak season. The long day might feel tiring for some, particularly if you’re not used to physical activities. But for most, the excitement and scenic beauty outweigh these minor inconveniences.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want a full, varied day of wildlife encounters and physical activity. It suits those 7 years and older with a good level of fitness and swimming ability. If you’re looking for a relaxed beach day, this might not be the best fit, but if you’re eager to see Cebu’s wildlife, waterfalls, and lush landscapes, it hits the mark.

Those with limited time in Cebu will appreciate how this tour consolidates two key experiences into one day. It’s also a great option for groups or families who want a guided, well-organized day with a mix of education, adventure, and stunning scenery.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to learn about Cebu’s natural beauty and enjoy some heart-pumping fun. The guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude add value to the experience, helping to make each activity memorable. The cost is reasonable, especially with all the inclusions, making it a good choice for travelers seeking value and authenticity.

While it’s not without its challenges—crowds, weather, and physical demands—these are balanced by the stunning sights, unique encounters, and overall excitement. If you’re in Cebu and craving a full day of adventure, this tour delivers on its promise of fun, scenery, and unforgettable moments.

This experience is best suited for active travelers with a sense of adventure and a desire to see some of Cebu’s most celebrated natural wonders in one convenient package. It’s perfect if you want good value, guided expertise, and a mix of marine and freshwater fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is available from Cebu City, Mactan, and surrounding areas. You’ll need to provide your hotel name or accommodation details at booking, and an additional PHP 500 fee may apply for pickups beyond central locations.

What should I bring for this tour?
You should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and water. Be sure to pack for both water activities and dry land sightseeing.

Are there age restrictions for the activities?
Yes, Kawasan Falls canyoneering is suitable for participants 7 years and older. There are no age restrictions for whale shark snorkeling, but you should be comfortable swimming.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Swimmers will have the best experience, especially with the canyoneering and snorkeling activities. Non-swimmers might find the activities challenging, particularly the jumps and water navigation.

How long does each activity last?
The whale shark snorkeling lasts around 1.5 hours, while the Kawasan Falls canyoneering takes roughly 3.5 hours. The total tour length, including travel and lunch, is a full day.

What happens in bad weather?
If weather conditions are unsafe, activities like canyoneering and boat rides may be canceled or postponed. The tour provider will inform you at least 24 hours in advance and may offer rescheduling or refunds.

Can I rent a GoPro or capture the moments myself?
Yes, for an additional PHP 550, you can rent a GoPro with an operator to take photos and videos of your adventure.

To sum it up, this Cebu adventure tour offers an engaging combination of marine life encounters and scenic canyon exploration. It’s a value-packed experience that showcases Cebu’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit, making it a rewarding choice for those looking to make the most of their time on the island.

You can check availability for your dates here: